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Renewal and Reality: Has the Smoke Cleared?

Neighborhoods in Pittsburgh are growing. More young adults are moving into the city, attracted by low housing costs, arts, culture and a trendy food scene. The city tops national lists on livability. But despite the high rankings, Pittsburgh lags in diversity and air quality. And some critics worry that a trendier Pittsburgh will drive up the cost of living and displace people with lower incomes. This program spotlights the positives in communities including Lawrenceville, Manchester and Larimer, while exploring possible ramifications of the negatives.

Renewal and Reality: Has the Smoke Cleared? aired on Oct 22, 2015.

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Western Pennsylvania has a rich history of volunteerism. This documentary focuses on three local volunteers who give their time in three different ways: John Edward Hutchinson of the Greensburg VFD is believed to be the nations oldest-living volunteer fire chief; Former Pittsburgh Steeler Charlie Batch combines athletics and academics in a highly-successful program for at-risk youth; Linda Lafferty organizes Blessings in a Backpack in Wilkinsburg, providing food for students who might not have a meal waiting at home.

Chris Moore hosts the ninth and final episode in a series of Election 2016 discussion programs. In this episode, the panel explores the major issues of this election year, and the impact they have on Western Pennsylvania. The panel will also discuss the big contests in November, including the races for President, U.S. Senate, and Attorney General.

The melting pot of the early 1900s helped build Pittsburgh. But today, city leaders struggle to attract and retain a working class immigrant population. Beyond the immigrants, how does the region integrate the growing number of refugees? Studies show that cities thrive economically, socially and culturally with active programs that welcome and retain new arrivals. Who are the people and organizations working on this mission – and how are the immigrants and refugees faring in Pittsburgh so far?

This live community forum features panel discussions and opinion maker segments to examine the “State of Black Pittsburgh” and what recent changes in community, advances in tech based industries and emerging leadership means to Pittsburgh’s African American community and to the city at large.